Ankara, December 23 – Mustafa Yılmaz, the suspect accused of starting a fire that led to one death in Ankara, vehemently denied all charges during a court hearing today. Yılmaz, who has been in custody since the incident, claimed innocence and pointed fingers at three other individuals present at the scene.
Fatal Fire Incident in Mamak District
The incident, which took place on September 26 of last year, involved Mustafa Yılmaz meeting Adem E. and his friends at a detached house in the Mamak district. After consuming alcohol, Adem E. and his friends discovered that Yılmaz had recently been released from prison and had an outstanding warrant. Subsequently, they asked Yılmaz to leave the house.
According to the indictment, a furious Mustafa Yılmaz allegedly set fire to a sofa at the entrance of the house before fleeing. The ensuing blaze resulted in injuries to Izzet Eşgi, Adem E., Gönül T., and Yeliz Ü. Tragically, Izzet Eşgi succumbed to his injuries despite medical intervention.
Indictment Seeks Life Imprisonment
Following the incident, Mustafa Yılmaz was apprehended by the police and subsequently arrested by the duty court. The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office prepared an indictment against Yılmaz, seeking aggravated life imprisonment and up to 76 years in prison for charges including ‘Premeditated murder with monstrous feeling or by setting fire,’ ‘Attempted premeditated murder,’ and ‘Damage to property.’
Court Proceedings and Witness Testimonies
The trial is being heard at the Ankara 1st High Criminal Court. Today’s hearing saw the detained suspect, Mustafa Yılmaz, present in the courtroom, while Adem E. participated via the Audio and Visual Information System (SEGBİS).
Adem E. testified that he did not know the suspect beforehand. He stated, ‘I allowed him to stay in my house through a friend because he needed a place to stay. A day or two before the incident, I learned he was a fugitive and asked him to leave. When I came home on the day of the incident, Izzet, Mustafa, and two women were there; they were having a barbecue in front of the door. I said, ‘Are you going to disgrace me, this is not a tavern.’ I told Mustafa he was a fugitive and asked him to leave. He reacted, pulled out a knife. I took the rifle from the house and told him to leave. Approximately 20-25 minutes later, a heavy fire started with flames at the entrance door. He pushed the sofas against the entrance of the house and set them on fire. As he left, he said, ‘I won’t let this go unpunished.’ I believe he intentionally set it on fire, pouring gasoline and igniting it.’
Suspect Denies Accusations, Blames Others
In his defense, Mustafa Yılmaz refuted Adem E.’s statements. Yılmaz asserted, ‘I did not pull a knife on Adem; he showed me a rifle and kicked me out of the house. I do not accept his statements. I am innocent, I did not burn the house. Gönül, Yeliz, and Adem did it. I have been imprisoned for a long time, and I request my release.’
Trial Adjourned
The court panel decided to await the results of the on-site investigation and ruled for the continuation of the suspect’s detention. The trial has been adjourned until February 26.
